Some Transfer Humors

January 13th, 2008 | By: Inara | 2 Comments »

Just to take a short break from African Cup of Nations Coverage, I thought I’d go over some of the recent transfer rumors involving the Black Stars.

Valencia have Portsmouth midfielder Sulley Muntari on their radar. Valencia, who have been having a meltdown of epic proportions this year, are desperate to add some midfield solidarity and have earmarked Muntari as a possible target. However, Harry Redknapp will do his best to resist.

Due to not getting much playing time at Roma, midfielder Ahmed Barruso may leave in search of more playing time. Chris over at the Roma Offside would probably have more information on this, but apparently Barruso has been offered to Sampdoria in part exchange for striker Andrea Caracciolo. Additionally, Genoa are also interested, but since Barruso’s contract is owned by two parties (Rimini and Roma), negotiations might get complicated.

Real Madrid have a hard on for another talented youngster. This time, the object of their lust is Daniel Opare of Ashanti Gold SC, who was voted as the best defender at the recent U17 World Cup. Madrid are confident that they can see off competition from both Liverpool and Schalke. Opare’s release clause is €2m, and while that is a hefty sum of money for Ashanti Gold, it’s just pocket change for Madrid. Additionally, Opare says Madrid is his “dream.”

Lille is prepared to offer €1.2m for Bennard Kumordzi, a midfielder at Panionios. One of the revelations of the Greek Super League, he’s been climbing ranks and has his sights set on a bigger club in a bigger league. Lille, which is known for finding talented gems and for being a nourishing club for Africans, certainly fits the bill.

And who hasn’t heard the latest fool thing out of Michael Essien’s mouth. This time, he’s saying how he should have been a Manchester United player. They were his boyhood club, and going there on trial was one of the most exciting events of his life. But that because of a failed work permit, he ended up signing for Bastia instead. Except now he’s happy at Chelsea and can’t ever imagine being anywhere else. FYI, no mention of Lyon anywhere. Bastard.

That’s it for now.

Tags: Ahmed Barruso, Ashanti Gold, Bennard Kumordzi, Chelsea, Daniel Opare, Genoa, Lille, Lyon, Manchester United, Michael Essien, Panionios, Portsmouth, Real Madrid, Roma, Sampdoria, Sulley Muntari, Team News and Rumors, Valencia

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Comments

By Magnusson | January 15th, 2008 at 8:20 am

You know Inara, I know you love all things Lyon and stuff but do you know how pissed I was and how pissed PSG fans were when Bastia and his agent were ok for him to go to paris and later he decided out of the blue not to go, Gouffran style and opted for Lyon. He made marseille dance for 6 months and didn’t come.
I don’t think he follows anything else than his own ambition on this one and i don’t think he was as liked as Diarra in that locker room. Fantastic player, funny kid but maybe there’s a reason he doesn’t get the Ghana armband.

Posted from France

By Inara | January 15th, 2008 at 10:49 am

It’s very true. Everyone knew that Essien was a mercenary and when he came to Lyon, it was obviously as a stepping stone to go elsewhere. He ditched not only OM and PSG for Lyon, but also MU, who tried to get him again from Bastia. But he’s always been very intelligent when it comes to career choices and knew the best places for him to go. His loyalty to Chelsea will last only as long as his fat paycheck.

You’re right in saying that he wasn’t well liked in the locker rooms. People respected him as a player and as a teammate, but as far as I’m aware, no one missed him personally (though they did miss his talent) whereas Diarra’s departure was felt keenly in the locker rooms and caused quite a few tears among the players.

Posted from United States